Adam Sandler is back in the limelight thanks to his latest performance in “Hustle,” which hit Netflix earlier this year in June. Like “Punch Drunk Love” and “Uncut Gems” before it, it’s the rare dramatic role for Sandler in a sea of low-grade comedies he typically stars in, and it’s received great press. So, that begs the question: what’s next for the actor? And will it be something that flexes his acting muscles or a role more reminiscent of “Hubie Halloween“?
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On a new episode of Variety’s “Awards Circuit Podcast,” Sandler dropped a hint at what could be his next project. The actor initially played coy when the hosts asked what directors he’d like to work with but hasn’t had the chance yet. “I just get excited when I meet some of these guys that make great movies,” he said, “I’ve been getting to hang out with some great guys. Let’s see, who would it be?”
After a quip from a host that Sandler should do Michael Mann‘s “Heat 2,” the actor finally answered: “Todd Field, we just talked the other day about something. He’s a great guy, I’ve known him for many years. We’ll see.” Field, an actor-turned-director, just had “Tár,” his first movie in 16 years, have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival to near-unanimous acclaim. The film stars Cate Blanchett as the titular composer, the first-ever female conductor of a major German orchestra, and hits US theaters this Friday.
But who would Sandler play for Field in a future film? The actor didn’t give anything away, but he admitted that he’s never that anxious about his next movie or who he’ll shoot it with. “I don’t even think about it that much,” said Sandler. “When I meet any director that I love their stuff, I get excited that I met them, but I don’t really think about making movies with them. I get more excited to tell them what I love about their work.”
Still, when one considers “Tár” and Field’s previous two films, 2001’s “In The Bedroom” and 2006’s “Little Children,” what a marvel Sandler may be working with the director. Sandler has the acting chops to thrive in dramas like those films, and many moviegoers would like to see him concentrate more on performances like that than, say, a “Billy Madison” sequel, which he also mentioned on the “Awards Circuit Podcast.” But as for whether an Adam Sandler/Todd Field team-up has legs? There’s nothing anyone can do but wait and see what Sandler does next.
